Urologists understand prostatitis as inflammatory processes in the prostate that arise for various reasons.The prostate is part of the urogenital system and is surrounded by other organs and tissues, so the symptoms, especially in the early stages, do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the disease.Let's try to figure out what the first signs of prostatitis may indicate the onset of the disease and tell you who you can contact for help.
Signs of chronic abacterial prostatitis
The disease arises due to injury to the prostate tissue or due to the influence of a number of other factors:
- Lack of exercise and the associated disorders of microcirculation in the blood;
- Backflow of urine into the prostate;
- Narrowing of the urethral lumen due to a tumor, stone or inflammatory process;
- strong contraction of the pelvic muscles;
- Hypothermia, smoking, alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of this form appear gradually, their severity increases over time.Men may initially complain of a frequent urge to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation in the area of the urethral opening.
At this stage, prostatitis can be confused with urethritis, so laboratory diagnosis is important.
As the inflammatory process in the prostate tissue progresses, further signs of the disease appear:
- nocturnal urge to urinate;
- Pain in the perineum (may radiate to the glans, anus, thighs and lower abdomen);
- absent or weak erection;
- pain during ejaculation;
- Increase in body temperature to 37.5–37.8 °C.
If the integrity of the tissues of the prostate or adjacent areas of the urethra is damaged, blood may be observed in urine or semen.The man pays attention to small scarlet or brown flakes.
Signs of acute bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microflora.Microorganisms can live in a person's intestines or on their skin;If hygiene regulations are not followed, they can reach the prostate via the urethra and quickly develop in the glandular tissue.Another possibility is that the pathogen penetrates the urethra and further into the prostate during unprotected sexual intercourse.Infection is also possible if the prostate biopsy is performed improperly.
Arriving on the mucous membrane of the prostate, bacteria develop quickly, the colony grows literally in 2-3 days.The first signs of prostatitis in this case are:
- chills, fever, increased body temperature;
- pain in the perineum, lower back, or lower abdomen;
- Difficulty urinating (pain, intermittent stream of urine, frequent urge).
Without treatment or incorrect treatment tactics, the disease progresses.After a few days, constipation, acute urinary retention, pain in muscles, joints and lymph nodes may occur.Symptoms of poisoning are also possible – nausea, vomiting, weakness.
The period between the first symptoms and the most noticeable clinical picture can be 3-4 days.
Signs of chronic bacterial prostatitis
The chronic form of bacterial prostatitis occurs as a result of improper treatment of the acute course, as well as bladder injuries and improper catheterization.It is possible that the inflammatory process in neighboring organs spreads to the prostate.
A man may miss the first signs of chronic prostatitis - the symptoms of this form are characterized by mild severity, periods of remission are possible.The disease can be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- problems urinating;
- dull, aching pain in perineum;
- Problems with erection.
Periods of exacerbation alternate with calm.A man might mistakenly think about healing and not seek medical attention.This attitude is dangerous - the inflammatory process progresses, the prostate tissue degenerates and the organ loses its functions.As a result, prostatitis can lead to infertility and cause sepsis - blood poisoning.
Clinical manifestations of pathology
Prostatitis has no characteristic symptoms;It can be confused with other diseases that have similar symptoms – cystitis, urethritis, chlamydia.
Knowing the first signs of the disease does not help to make an accurate diagnosis.It is more effective to pay attention to clinical manifestations.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is characterized by the following signs detected during examination and laboratory testing of urine and blood:
- The body temperature in the anus is 0.5 ° C higher than the temperature in the armpits;
- increased number of leukocytes in urine;
- decrease in the number of eosinophils;
- increased C-reactive protein;
- Increase in PSA levels in the blood.
A blood test for PSA levels is not absolutely necessary, but it helps to get a clearer picture of the pathological progression.
How to provide first aid and who to contact for treatment
Prostatitis is a disease that is not life-threatening in the early stages.If the pain is severe, you can take painkillers, but this is an exception to the rule.It is better not to take such pills so as not to blur the clinical picture and prevent the doctor from making a correct diagnosis.To combat high fever, you can take antipyretics.
With a competent approach, first aid is provided in a medical facility.To do this, a man must contact a urologist at his place of residence or stay.If for some reason it is not possible to see a doctor on your own, you need to call an ambulance.
Taking antibiotics alone is strictly prohibited.
These drugs are prescribed taking into account the type of pathogen;Uncontrolled use can increase bacterial resistance and worsen the manifestation of intoxication.
Consequences of ignoring the first signs
Most men prefer not to see a doctor, especially when it comes to problems in the genitourinary system.This attitude can be dangerous.Prostatitis is a serious disease and can have negative consequences:
- Transition to a chronic form, which is practically untreatable;
- development of infertility;
- Spread of infection to neighboring organs;
- reduced potency;
- the occurrence of sepsis.
The latter condition represents an immediate threat to the patient's life. The probability of death is 30-50%, every hour of delay in medical care increases this value by 8%.
Let's summarize it
Knowing the first signs of prostatitis in men will help you identify problems in the body.A more accurate diagnosis is made on the basis of an instrumental examination and the results of laboratory tests of blood and urine.Prostatitis can threaten a man's life, so self-treatment is unacceptable.If you delay going to the doctor, the disease can become chronic, which is very difficult to cope with.